Emily Donaldson’s faith in the Sewickley Farm Partnership LLC’s talented five-year-old Supersonic by Secret was rewarded when they earned the top spot in the First Level Open Championship at the US Dressage Finals.

“I’m so happy he pulled off one of his best performances here,” said the Pennsylvania-based rider. “It’s a bit intimidating having a horse this good and some pressure owning him in partnership with a syndicate. I think he’s as good as the best horses you see in Europe.”

Photo – Emily Donaldson and the five-year-old Supersonic stood out from the crowd in the First Level Open Championship. (SusanJStickle.com)

Donaldson found the horse in Germany as a three-year-old and was blown away by his quality. She had even nicknamed him “Sparkles” before the final deal had been done on his purchase. Her winner’s blanket may be useful this winter as she is not spending the season in Florida, as she has done in the past, but consolidating her training at home, which includes working with trainer Tim Mellott.

“I’m hoping to be able to teach him the changes and then hopefully do Third Level next year,” added Donaldson. “Maybe I’ll do some young horse classes with him.”

Competition concludes on Sunday, November 12, with the final nine championship titles to be decided, from Training Level to Prix St. Georges. Follow the action via the USDF Facebook page and the US Dressage Finals website, plus live online streaming on the USEF Network. To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, view results and start lists, and read daily news releases, visit the official US Dressage Finals event website.